2011 Wisconsin Badgers Game Preview
written by: BB73, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, Fungo Squiggly, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, and jwinslow
Preface
This will be the 77th meeting between the two teams, with Ohio State leading the series 53-18-5. The Buckeyes lead the series 28-7-3 in Columbus.
Since, 1999, the teams have split the last 10 meetings, with the Badgers winning three of the five meetings in Columbus. This will be just the second time since 1974 that Wisconsin will go to Columbus as a ranked team. The last time was 2004 when the Badgers were ranked 15th and won 24-13, with Anthony Davis gaining 168 yards on 39 carries. This will be the first time since 1963 that Wisconsin will square off with Ohio State as the only ranked team. The Buckeyes had been ranked in the last 12 meetings between the teams.
Since the start of the 2004 season (when head coach Bret Bielema joined the UW coaching staff as defensive coordinator) the Badgers have compiled a 48-4 record at Camp Randall Stadium. That is the best home record in the Big Ten over that span and third-best in the country, behind only Boise State and Oklahoma.
Wisconsin?s 27-6 record over the last three seasons is the fifth-best record in the country. Only Boise State (33-1), Alabama (32-3) and TCU (30-3) and Oregon (28-5) have better records.
This will be the first time that the Badgers have faced the Buckeyes at night in the Horseshoe. UW has squared off with Ohio State three times at night at Camp Randall; with the Badgers knocking off No. 3 OSU, 17-10 in 2003; falling to the 14th-ranked Buckeyes, 20-17 in 2008; and knocking off the #1 tOSU squad 31-18 last year.
There have been some historic matchups between the teams. The 1941 game was a memorable one, as decribed by Jack Park:
"Ohio State's 46-34 victory on Nov. 8, 1941, was one of the wildest ever staged between the Buckeyes and Badgers. It was "Massillon Day" in Ohio Stadium. The Massillon Washington High School band spelled out "Paul" and "Harry" at halftime, honoring opposing coaches Paul Brown and Harry Stuhldreher, who both grew up in the Stark County football hotbed. Brown was in his first season at Ohio State; Stuhldreher had taken charge of the Wisconsin program in 1936. He also had gained notoriety in 1924 as quarterback of Knute Rockne's "Four Horsemen" backfield at Notre Dame.
"A crowd of 58,519 braved extremely cold weather to watch the teams combine for 12 touchdowns. The 80 total points is the highest ever in the Ohio State-Wisconsin series. The Buckeyes led 20-7 after the first quarter, 20-14 at the half and 33-20 at the end of three. Wisconsin led only once, 7-0, early in the game but managed to tie the score at 20 early in the third quarter.
"The Badgers' second touchdown came on a "fifth down," 6-yard pass from Bud Seelinger to Tom Farris. After Farris failed to score from scrimmage on fourth down, the Badgers called timeout. Referee Jim Masker became confused and awarded Wisconsin an extra play. Brown protested vehemently following the official's miscount, but to no avail.
"Ohio State fullback Jack Graf scored three of his team's seven touchdowns. Halfback Dick Fisher scored twice, and halfback Tom Kinkade and end Bob Shaw each tallied once. The Badgers were weakened when Pat Harder, their fine sophomore fullback and the Big Ten's leading scorer, missed most of the second half with a leg injury. Wisconsin held a slight edge in first downs, 16-15, while Ohio State led in total offense, 439 yards to 375. After the game the Massillon High boosters club staged a reception at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel in downtown Columbus, with both Brown and Stuhldreher attending. Ohio State ended the '41 season at 6-1-1, and the Badgers were 3-5."
The very next year, 1942, saw Paul Brown and the #1 Buckeyes go on the (rail)road to Madison. The team didn't take along its own water on that trip (as they had the previous year via the train to the USC game in Los Angeles), and the majority of the team came down with dysentery from contaminated water on the train. Ohio State lost 17-7 to a Wisconsin team led by Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch in what was dubbed the "Bad Water Game"; and dropped to #6 in the polls.
The next week tOSU gained 587 yards in routing Pitt (they were up 41-0 at halftime of the 59-19 final), and dropped to #10 - who knew that Mark May influenced poll voters way back then! They won their remaining games, and climbed all the way to the top of the poll to claim tOSU's first national championship. The Badgers finished the year 8-1-1 and ranked #3.
Wisconsin was an inaugural member of the Western Conference, which evolved into the Big Ten. They won the first two conference championships in football, with a 2-0-1 mark in 1896 and a 3-0 record in 1897. They also claimed conference crowns in their only perfect seasons: 1901, 1906, and 1912. After that period, their next crown was 40 years away.
Ohio State is the only opponent that has ever faced a Wisconsin team ranked #1 in the AP football poll. In 1952, after #8 Wisconsin defeated a #2 Illinois team 20-6 in Madison, the team was vaulted to the #1 ranking for the only time in their football history. The next week the Badgers visited the 'Shoe and fell 23-14 to the Buckeyes. Wisconsin finished that season as co-Big Ten champions with Purdue. They also won Big Ten titles in 1959 and 1962, but lost the Rose Bowl in each of their 3 appearances between '52 and '62, and would not return until the 1990's under Barry Alvarez.
Those who have coached the Badgers include Harry Stuhldreher, one of Notre Dame's "Four Horsemen" in the 1920s. His teams went 45-62-6 (.425) between 1936-48. Similar to Paul Brown at Ohio State, the enlistments of World War II dramatically changed the fortunes of Stuhldreher's teams. After the 8-1-1 mark and #3 ranking in 1942, their record fell to 1-9 in 1943 due to many players having left the team; including Elroy Hirsch (who then lettered in 4 different sports at Michigan, where he was getting military training). Hirsch went on to a Hall-of-Fame career as an NFL receiver, and later spent 18 years as Wisconsin's Athletic Director.
From 1978 until 1985, the head man in Madison was Dave McClain, whose teams went 46-42-3 (.522). After a fatal heart attack in 1986 cut short his career at the age of 48, the Big Ten dedicated it's football Coach of the Year award in his honor.
Barry Alvarez, currently the Athletic Director in Madison, was the head football coach from 1990 through 2005. Prior to that, he was on Hayden Fry's staff at Iowa, and he was the DC on Lou Holtz's 1988 national championship team at Notre Dame. Barry's Badgers won the Rose Bowl in each of the seasons they garnered a Big Ten title: '93, '98, and '99.
1993 was a shared title with tOSU; the teams tied 14-14 in Madison, and the Badgers claimed their share after they won their last conference game against Michigan State in a game called the Coca-Cola Classic in Tokyo. Barry is the only Big Ten coach to win Rose Bowls in consecutive seasons, and in 2006 a bronze statue of Alvarez was unveiled outside Camp Randall stadium. Since the year that Ohio State and Wisconsin tied, only 3 teams have more bowl wins than the Badgers.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Wisconsin. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeSince, 1999, the teams have split the last 10 meetings, with the Badgers winning three of the five meetings in Columbus. This will be just the second time since 1974 that Wisconsin will go to Columbus as a ranked team. The last time was 2004 when the Badgers were ranked 15th and won 24-13, with Anthony Davis gaining 168 yards on 39 carries. This will be the first time since 1963 that Wisconsin will square off with Ohio State as the only ranked team. The Buckeyes had been ranked in the last 12 meetings between the teams.
Since the start of the 2004 season (when head coach Bret Bielema joined the UW coaching staff as defensive coordinator) the Badgers have compiled a 48-4 record at Camp Randall Stadium. That is the best home record in the Big Ten over that span and third-best in the country, behind only Boise State and Oklahoma.
Wisconsin?s 27-6 record over the last three seasons is the fifth-best record in the country. Only Boise State (33-1), Alabama (32-3) and TCU (30-3) and Oregon (28-5) have better records.
This will be the first time that the Badgers have faced the Buckeyes at night in the Horseshoe. UW has squared off with Ohio State three times at night at Camp Randall; with the Badgers knocking off No. 3 OSU, 17-10 in 2003; falling to the 14th-ranked Buckeyes, 20-17 in 2008; and knocking off the #1 tOSU squad 31-18 last year.
There have been some historic matchups between the teams. The 1941 game was a memorable one, as decribed by Jack Park:
"Ohio State's 46-34 victory on Nov. 8, 1941, was one of the wildest ever staged between the Buckeyes and Badgers. It was "Massillon Day" in Ohio Stadium. The Massillon Washington High School band spelled out "Paul" and "Harry" at halftime, honoring opposing coaches Paul Brown and Harry Stuhldreher, who both grew up in the Stark County football hotbed. Brown was in his first season at Ohio State; Stuhldreher had taken charge of the Wisconsin program in 1936. He also had gained notoriety in 1924 as quarterback of Knute Rockne's "Four Horsemen" backfield at Notre Dame.
"A crowd of 58,519 braved extremely cold weather to watch the teams combine for 12 touchdowns. The 80 total points is the highest ever in the Ohio State-Wisconsin series. The Buckeyes led 20-7 after the first quarter, 20-14 at the half and 33-20 at the end of three. Wisconsin led only once, 7-0, early in the game but managed to tie the score at 20 early in the third quarter.
"The Badgers' second touchdown came on a "fifth down," 6-yard pass from Bud Seelinger to Tom Farris. After Farris failed to score from scrimmage on fourth down, the Badgers called timeout. Referee Jim Masker became confused and awarded Wisconsin an extra play. Brown protested vehemently following the official's miscount, but to no avail.
"Ohio State fullback Jack Graf scored three of his team's seven touchdowns. Halfback Dick Fisher scored twice, and halfback Tom Kinkade and end Bob Shaw each tallied once. The Badgers were weakened when Pat Harder, their fine sophomore fullback and the Big Ten's leading scorer, missed most of the second half with a leg injury. Wisconsin held a slight edge in first downs, 16-15, while Ohio State led in total offense, 439 yards to 375. After the game the Massillon High boosters club staged a reception at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel in downtown Columbus, with both Brown and Stuhldreher attending. Ohio State ended the '41 season at 6-1-1, and the Badgers were 3-5."
The very next year, 1942, saw Paul Brown and the #1 Buckeyes go on the (rail)road to Madison. The team didn't take along its own water on that trip (as they had the previous year via the train to the USC game in Los Angeles), and the majority of the team came down with dysentery from contaminated water on the train. Ohio State lost 17-7 to a Wisconsin team led by Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch in what was dubbed the "Bad Water Game"; and dropped to #6 in the polls.
The next week tOSU gained 587 yards in routing Pitt (they were up 41-0 at halftime of the 59-19 final), and dropped to #10 - who knew that Mark May influenced poll voters way back then! They won their remaining games, and climbed all the way to the top of the poll to claim tOSU's first national championship. The Badgers finished the year 8-1-1 and ranked #3.
Wisconsin was an inaugural member of the Western Conference, which evolved into the Big Ten. They won the first two conference championships in football, with a 2-0-1 mark in 1896 and a 3-0 record in 1897. They also claimed conference crowns in their only perfect seasons: 1901, 1906, and 1912. After that period, their next crown was 40 years away.
Ohio State is the only opponent that has ever faced a Wisconsin team ranked #1 in the AP football poll. In 1952, after #8 Wisconsin defeated a #2 Illinois team 20-6 in Madison, the team was vaulted to the #1 ranking for the only time in their football history. The next week the Badgers visited the 'Shoe and fell 23-14 to the Buckeyes. Wisconsin finished that season as co-Big Ten champions with Purdue. They also won Big Ten titles in 1959 and 1962, but lost the Rose Bowl in each of their 3 appearances between '52 and '62, and would not return until the 1990's under Barry Alvarez.
Those who have coached the Badgers include Harry Stuhldreher, one of Notre Dame's "Four Horsemen" in the 1920s. His teams went 45-62-6 (.425) between 1936-48. Similar to Paul Brown at Ohio State, the enlistments of World War II dramatically changed the fortunes of Stuhldreher's teams. After the 8-1-1 mark and #3 ranking in 1942, their record fell to 1-9 in 1943 due to many players having left the team; including Elroy Hirsch (who then lettered in 4 different sports at Michigan, where he was getting military training). Hirsch went on to a Hall-of-Fame career as an NFL receiver, and later spent 18 years as Wisconsin's Athletic Director.
From 1978 until 1985, the head man in Madison was Dave McClain, whose teams went 46-42-3 (.522). After a fatal heart attack in 1986 cut short his career at the age of 48, the Big Ten dedicated it's football Coach of the Year award in his honor.
Barry Alvarez, currently the Athletic Director in Madison, was the head football coach from 1990 through 2005. Prior to that, he was on Hayden Fry's staff at Iowa, and he was the DC on Lou Holtz's 1988 national championship team at Notre Dame. Barry's Badgers won the Rose Bowl in each of the seasons they garnered a Big Ten title: '93, '98, and '99.
1993 was a shared title with tOSU; the teams tied 14-14 in Madison, and the Badgers claimed their share after they won their last conference game against Michigan State in a game called the Coca-Cola Classic in Tokyo. Barry is the only Big Ten coach to win Rose Bowls in consecutive seasons, and in 2006 a bronze statue of Alvarez was unveiled outside Camp Randall stadium. Since the year that Ohio State and Wisconsin tied, only 3 teams have more bowl wins than the Badgers.
BOWL WINS SINCE 1993 SEASON
11 - Florida State (incluedes vacated 2006 Emerald Bowl)
11 - Georgia
11 - LSU
10 - Boston College
10 - Florida
10 - Nebraska
10 - Penn State
10 - Utah
10 - Wisconsin
10 - USC (includes vacated 2004 BCS Title)
09 - Auburn
09 - Texas
09 - Ohio State (includes vacated 2011 Sugar Bowl)
UW tight ends coach Joe Rudolph got his coaching start at Ohio State, serving two seasons as an offensive graduate assistant and one year as the strength coordinator.
11 - Florida State (incluedes vacated 2006 Emerald Bowl)
11 - Georgia
11 - LSU
10 - Boston College
10 - Florida
10 - Nebraska
10 - Penn State
10 - Utah
10 - Wisconsin
10 - USC (includes vacated 2004 BCS Title)
09 - Auburn
09 - Texas
09 - Ohio State (includes vacated 2011 Sugar Bowl)
UW tight ends coach Joe Rudolph got his coaching start at Ohio State, serving two seasons as an offensive graduate assistant and one year as the strength coordinator.
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Wisconsin. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, October 29th, 2011
Time: 8:00 ET Kick-off (Deal with it)
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: This will be the 90th Homecoming in school history. Friday's Homecoming Parade will feature retiring TBDBITL Director Jon Woods as the Grand Marshal, and will honor 4 members of the original Script Ohio that was performed in 1936. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Ohio Stadium, moves east on Woodruff Avenue, south on High Street, west on 12th Avenue, and ends at the South Oval. Four grandstand viewing areas along the route will open at 5 p.m. All will feature food, music, games and entertainment, including jugglers and stilt walkers.
Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, will be honored at halftime of this game for his pending induction into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. George, whose name is one of only seven so honored in the north end zone of Ohio Stadium, will become the 23rd Ohio State player to enter college football's Hall of Fame when he is enshrined this summer in South Bend, Ind.
The Buckeyes uniforms will be honoring the 1961 football team that finished 8-0-1, defeated Michigan, 50-20, won the Big Ten championship and was named National Champion by the Football Writers. The distinctive uniforms feature a steel-gray helmet with a deep scarlet stripe that is wide at the front and tapers off at the back of the helmet. Player numbers will be on the side of the helmet. Jersey's will be scarlet with distinctive white lettering and the pants and socks will be dark gray. Matching base layer, arm sleeves and gloves feature a print reminiscent of a Buckeye tree. These pieces were designed after Buckeye Grove, home to a collection of buckeye trees planted in honor of each first team All-American, like Bob Ferguson, the 1961 Heisman Trophy runner-up who was a leader of the team.
And everybody is supposed to wear scarlet. This should be the case for every home game, but get with the program and let Wisconsin see this:
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: ESPN: Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis), and Holly Rowe (sideline).
Time: 8:00 ET Kick-off (Deal with it)
Location: Ohio Stadium - "The Horseshoe" (Columbus, OH)
Constructed: 1922 (Renovated in 2001)
Seating Capacity: 102,329 (Originally 66,210)
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Events: This will be the 90th Homecoming in school history. Friday's Homecoming Parade will feature retiring TBDBITL Director Jon Woods as the Grand Marshal, and will honor 4 members of the original Script Ohio that was performed in 1936. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Ohio Stadium, moves east on Woodruff Avenue, south on High Street, west on 12th Avenue, and ends at the South Oval. Four grandstand viewing areas along the route will open at 5 p.m. All will feature food, music, games and entertainment, including jugglers and stilt walkers.
Eddie George, the 1995 Heisman Trophy winner, will be honored at halftime of this game for his pending induction into the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. George, whose name is one of only seven so honored in the north end zone of Ohio Stadium, will become the 23rd Ohio State player to enter college football's Hall of Fame when he is enshrined this summer in South Bend, Ind.
The Buckeyes uniforms will be honoring the 1961 football team that finished 8-0-1, defeated Michigan, 50-20, won the Big Ten championship and was named National Champion by the Football Writers. The distinctive uniforms feature a steel-gray helmet with a deep scarlet stripe that is wide at the front and tapers off at the back of the helmet. Player numbers will be on the side of the helmet. Jersey's will be scarlet with distinctive white lettering and the pants and socks will be dark gray. Matching base layer, arm sleeves and gloves feature a print reminiscent of a Buckeye tree. These pieces were designed after Buckeye Grove, home to a collection of buckeye trees planted in honor of each first team All-American, like Bob Ferguson, the 1961 Heisman Trophy runner-up who was a leader of the team.
And everybody is supposed to wear scarlet. This should be the case for every home game, but get with the program and let Wisconsin see this:
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: ESPN: Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analysis), and Holly Rowe (sideline).
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline); also on Sirius and Westwood One Radio.
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Preview
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Offensive Preview
Ohio State welcomes Wisconsin in what will very much be a grudge match not only because of last year, but because of the last decade-plus. Obviously everyone remembers what happened last year in Madison when the Buckeyes were ranked #1, but the truth is that the Badgers have been giving the Buckeyes trouble since 1981, and while Michigan might still be the most important game on the schedule, recent history points to Wisconsin being the toughest. The Badgers took 5 of 7 from the Buckeyes from 1981-1987, and are 5-5 against Ohio State since 1999. Head coach Bret Bielema and offense coordinator Paul Chryst bring one of the most potent offenses in the country to the Horseshoe thanks in large part to the "offseason acquisition" of former North Carolina State starting QB Russell Wilson. The rule allowing players to change schools after graduating has allowed the potent Badger ground attack to be complemented by an athletic and savvy QB who can make all the throws after cutting his teeth in the ACC. Wisconsin still has the same bruising running attack led by a mammoth offensive line and powerful running backs, but now the receivers are legitimate downfield weapons and the offense has a new dimension they have exploited to great success in 2011. The Badgers have second-rated QB in the nation and the top scorer in the nation at RB, so scoring points has not been a problem, even in last week's defeat to Michigan State. Most Ohio State fans will look at this as a grudge match, and there is no doubt that the crowd will be raucous under the lights, but playing at Ohio Stadium has not been a particular disadvantage for the Badgers, so the Buckeye faithful should not be too overconfident that the atmosphere will directly affect the game result. To whit: since 1999, Wisconsin is 3-2 (.600) at Ohio Stadium...everyone else? 9-71 (.1125).
Wisconsin has more or less decimated every defense they've faced this season, averaging over 500 yards a game (511.7, 8th nationally). They have established a very nice balance, averaging 252.1 rushing yards per game (T8) while also putting up a very respectable 270.3 passing yards per game (37th). Their average of 47.4 points per game is 5th nationally and easily leads the B1G. Wilson has by and large taken good care of the ball, having tossed just 3 INTs and taken 8 sacks. The Badgers have garnered 170 first downs (T23) and perhaps most impressively have kept drives alive on 3rd down 52.4% of the time, which is good for second nationally. The bottom line is until last week no one had come close to shutting down the Badgers, and even though the Michigan State defense played an impressive game, they still gave up over 200 yards rushing, over 200 yards passing, 23 first downs and 31 points. This is a juggernaut of an offense that will take the very best effort of the Buckeyes to slow down.
Quarterbacks
QB #16 Russell Wilson (5-11, 210, SR, Collegiate HS, Richmond, VA)
Yeah, this guy is pretty good. He threw for over 3000 yards and at least 28 TDs in his final 2 seasons at North Carolina State, and he seemingly found the perfect situation in Madison. He has completed over 70% of his passes in ever game thus far in 2011 except for last week, when it was still 66.7%. He has thrown for at least 2 TDs in every game but one (Indiana) and topped 300 yards passing twice, at Northern Illinois (347, 3 TDs) and against South Dakota (345, 3 TDs). He is a threat to throw the ball virtually anywhere at any time, throws a good downfield ball, and he is also a threat to run, having gained over 200 yards and having scored 3 times on the ground already in 2011. His QB rating of 204.9 is second in the country, surpassed only by Robert Griffin III, and only by 0.8. He has shown growth as a senior as well by limiting his interceptions to 3 over the first 7 games, which is considerably better than his last 2 seasons of double digit INTs, and by limiting his sack total to just 8 thus far after topping 30 his last 2 seasons with the Wolfpack. He doesn't throw a ton of passes in a game, as most Wisconsin teams don't (he's only topped 21 attempts twice), but he has done a fantastic job of maximizing those throws for big gains and using his feet to buy time and create space for better and more accurate throws. He appears to be the total package at QB and even with an "off" game last week, he still played very well, accounting for 253 total yards and 3 scores. He will be a handful for the Buckeyes all day.
The primary backup is freshman Joe Brennan (#11). He is a big kid (6-3, 205) with upside who has gotten off to a bit of a rough start, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 12 yards and a pick in mop-up duty, so it appears he is not ready to lead this offense in a meaningful game situation just yet.
QB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin QB versus OSU QB
Wilson: 109/149 (73.2%), 1780 yards, 16 TDs, 3 INTs, 204.9 rating; 32/212, 3 TDs
Miller: 26/51 (51.0%), 403 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, 141.9 rating; 61/243, 0 TDs
There are a number of reasons that this is not a fair comparison, but it is not a big stretch to say that short of playing in a typhoon, the Buckeyes will not beat the Badgers by completing just one pass like they did last game. Miller is going to have to play better and play a bigger role and the coaching staff will have to let him try and do more. Both teams like to run an aggressive ball-control offense, but the QBs will have to play a significant role for the victor. Keeping both healthy is also a key issue, as neither team appears to have a backup that is especially effective. Miller may yet become the great QB that people envision, but for now, Wilson has been as good as they come.
Edge: Wisconsin
Running Backs
HB #28 Montee Ball (5-11, 210, JR, Timberland HS, Wentzville, MO)
FB #34 Bradie Ewing (6-0, 245, SR, Richland Center HS, Richland Center, WI)
Despite all the hype, and controversy in some circles, surrounding the acquisition of Wilson, the Badgers are still grinding it out on the ground like they always do, running the ball (304 times) almost twice as much as they throw it (162). Leading the way is Ball, who has accounted for a staggering 19 total TDs in 7 games, good for the top spot in the nation regardless of position. He's got power, he's got speed, he's got vision, and averaging over 6 yards a carry over 7 games is very impressive when the other team knows he's going to get the ball a lot. He just missed the 1000 yard plateau last year (996, 18 TDs), and he should shatter those numbers with 5 games yet to go and 768 yards on the ground already. He has eclipsed the 100 yard mark 4 timers thus far, including 151 against Nebraska and 115 against Michigan State, and until last week he had scored at least 2 rushing TDs in every game...though he still had 2 total TDs, one rushing and one receiving. The Badgers don't throw to their backs a lot, but he is averaging over 20 yards a catch and has 2 receiving TDs, which is good production.
Also getting a good share of carries (80) to keep Ball fresh is sophomore James White (#20). White burst onto the scene last year as a freshman, rushing for 1052 yards and 14 TDs while averaging almost 7 yards a carry. This season with 458 yards and 4 TDs his production is down a bit as Ball has exploded all season, but he is still a quick and powerful back (5-10, 195) that will only get better with more reps. He hasn't topped the 100 yard mark yet this season, but he averaged over 10 yards a carry against Northern Illinois and South Dakota and put up 87 yards and a TD against Indiana. He will likely get between 9 and 15 carries most games, depending on the flow of the game, and he brings a bit of a different dimension to the offense, though he is still strong and powerful. With 9 receptions already, he is also a threat in the passing game when Wilson wants to utilize him.
Behind Ball and White is promising freshman Jeff Lewis (#22). He is another powerful back (6-2, 210) who has seen most of his action against lesser opponents, but he appears capable and can spell the other backs when necessary. Ewing is a weapon at fullback in the running game as a blocker and also as a receiver, having caught 8 passes for 132 yards on the season. He has played in 45 games and is one of the smartest and most experienced players the Badgers have.
RB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin RB versus OSU RB
Ball: 125/768 yards, 17 TDs, 6.1 YPC; 9 rec/190 yards, 2 TDs, 21.1 YPR
White: 80/458 yards, 4 TDs, 5.7 YPC; 9 rec/120 yards, 0 TDs, 13.3 YPR
Lewis: 26/160 yards, 1 TD, 6.2 YPC; 1 rec/8 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Herron: 23/114 yards, 1 TD, 5.0 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 78/408 yards, 5 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 79/321 yards, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 1 rec/4 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
The emergence of Herron from the ashes of suspension have revitalized the Buckeye ground attack, as he firmly controlled the Illinois game with 114 yards on the ground and a TD. Hall is a speedier change-of-pace back who will seemingly get more future opportunities than the more powerful Hyde, who runs in more of the Herron mold. Either way, the Buckeyes are 4 or 5 deep at the position, and may even look to get some athletes on the field in other ways. Despite the uptick in production, it is hard to argue against a unit that has a player that leads the nation in scoring and a backup who gained over 1000 yards and scored 14 TDs the year before. If their one-two punch at TB isn't the best in the country, it is most definitely in the conversation.
Edge: Wisconsin
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Nick Toon (6-3, 220, SR, Middleton HS, Middleton, WI)
WR #4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, SO, Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
Nick Toon is the top wideout at Wisconsin. The son of Al Toon, who also tormented the Buckeyes back in the 80s, Toon has battled injuries throughout his career but has still been productive, making honorable mention all-B1G in 2009 after catching 54 passes for 805 yards and 4 TDs as a sophomore. Last year he was limited to 36 receptions for 459 yards and 3 scores, but he is off to a very good start this year with Wilson at the helm. His best game statistically was against South Dakota, where he registered 7 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs, but he also had 4 for 94 and a score against Nebraska and 7 for 69 and a score against Oregon State. Last year against the Buckeyes he had 6 catches for 72 yards. He has good size and runs good routes, and he is a good target in the red zone, having caught TD passes in 4 games this year. On the other side is Abbrederis, an underclassman who is building on his 20 catch, 289 yard, 3 TD season a year ago. He is a bit sleeker than Toon but still has good height. He has good hands and also runs good routes. He had 5 receptions for 101 yards and a score against South Dakota, 5 for 95 and a score against Nebraska, and 6 for 91 last week, so his production has increased as the season has progressed.
The Badgers aren't especially deep, at least in terms of current production. Sophomore Jeff Duckworth (#15) started one game in place of Toon and is third on the team at the position in receptions; that total is only 5 for 48 yards, however. Sophomore Manasseh Gardner (#19) is the other backup, but he has just one catch all season.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin WRs versus OSU WRs
Toon: 27 catches, 505 yards, 6 TDs, 18.7 YPR
Abbrederis: 30 catches, 482 yards, 2 TDs, 16.1 YPR
Duckworth: 5 catches, 48 yards, 0 TDs, 9.6 YPR
Smith: 9 catches, 187 yards, 3 TDs, 20.8 YPR
Brown: 5 catches, 78 yards, 0 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Everyone associates TEs and lineman as NFL caliber players at Wisconsin over the years, but they have also produced their share of quality pro receivers such as Al Toon, Chris Chambers and Lee Evans. The Badgers are never deep at the position, but they usually have a quality player or two, and this season is no different. Toon may not have had quite the career some expected because of the injuries, but he is a solid college player who has taken advantage of the expansion of the passing game. Likewise Abberderis looks like the mainstay of the future and is putting together a very nice season as well. The Buckeyes have really been hurt without Posey and have had to work some young players in. They have showed their inexperience at different stages and they have not played a major role in advancing the passing game. The Buckeyes need some work here and in the passing game in general.
Edge: Wisconsin
Tight Ends
TE #82 Jake Byrne (6-4, 260, SR, Rogers HS, Rogers, AR)
TE #48 Jacob Pedersen (6-4, 240, SO, Menominee HS, Menominee, MI)
The Badgers have arguably the best TE tradition over the past decade or so, with the likes of Owen Daniels, Travis Beckum, Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks playing on NFL rosters. They utilize the position as much or more than virtually any offense in the country, and this year they have a blocking expert and a receiving expert. Byrne is like having an extra offensive lineman on the field, and with 15 starts and 44 career games played, he is another leader on the field for virtually every play. He has been especially effective at run blocking this season, and despite having only 1 reception, he is one of the more valuable TEs in the conference. In the receiving TE mold (Beckum, Kendricks, etc.), Pedersen has been a regular contributor in the offense, starting 2 games, catching at least one pass in every game, and scoring 6 TDs thus far. He has good size and deceptive speed, and he is difficult for both safeties and linebackers to cover. He had 6 catches for 80 yards and 2 TDs against Oregon State, so he is capable of playing a primary role in the offense when called upon. The backups are a pair of underclassmen, sophomore Brian Wozniak (#85) and freshman Sam Arenson (#49). Neither has caught a pass thus far, but Wozniak in particular (6-4, 260) can contribute in short yardage situations.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin TE versus OSU TE
Pedersen: 19 catches, 262 yards, 6 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Byrne: 1 catch, 14 yards, 0 TDs, 14.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
This matchup is closer than it has been in years, as the Buckeyes boast a legitimate weapon in Stoneburner and a capable blocking backup in Fragel. The Badgers don't feature the superstar caliber player that they have in the past, though Pedersen is certainly a capable receiver. Both teams have strong points, with Stoneburner being perhaps the most complete player and Byrne being the best blocker. As Stoneburner features much more prominently than Buckeye TEs of the past, this one is pretty close to even.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #58 Ricky Wagner (6-6, 320, JR, Nathan Hale HS, West Allis, WI)
LG #72 Travis Frederick (6-4, 330, SO, Big Foot HS, Sharon, WI)
C #66 Peter Konz (6-5, 315, JR, Neenah HS, Neenah, WI)
RG #70 Kevin Zeitler (6-4, 315, SR, Wisconsin Lutheran HS, Waukesha, WI)
RT #67 Josh Oglesby (6-7, 330, SR, St. Francis HS, Milwaukee, WI)
The Wisconsin line has long had a reputation of being huge and physical, and this season is no exception. Plenty of players have a wealth of starting experience, and with 5 OL already on NFL rosters, the Badgers have some Sunday-quality talent this season as well. Zeitler has the most career starts with 29, all of them at RG. He was honorable mention all-B1G last season and is likely on the short list for higher accolades this season. He has good size but also good agility, and though he plays exclusively at RG he can do a lot of things along the interior throughout the course of the game. Also on the right side, Oglesby has 21 career starts, and would have more had he not been hampered by injuries last season. He is the prototypical mammoth tackle that Wisconsin always seems to have, with a giant wingspan and a large frame capable of bulldozing downfield in the run game. In the middle, Konz has started 27 of his 28 games and has been a fixture in center since 2009. He like Zeitler was honorable mention all-B1G last year and will likely get a lot of votes for higher honors with the way the offense has played this season. He is an intelligent player with good footwork and good power. On the left side, Wagner has 17 starts and has played both tackle positions. He was also honorable mention all-B1G last year and has played well at the LT spot since taking over there at the start of the season. Frederick is a giant but versatile player along the interior and he has already started games at center and LG in his young career (10 total). He missed one game earlier this year but appears to be healthy and is a steady contributor, especially in the run game.
The reserves feature one junior and several young players eager for their opportunity. The line has missed a grand total of 2 combined starts, so there hasn't been much turnover, but the younger players are still contributing and picking up valuable experience. Junior Robert Burge (#64) has played in 25 career games and is a program veteran who gets regular action, having played in all 13 games last year and all 6 this year thus far. A trio of sophomores mans the left side to the middle, with tackle Casey Dehn (#63) having played in 17 games (1 start), guard Zac Matthias (#75) having played in 14 games, and converted fullback Ryan Groy (#79) having played in 20 games with 3 career starts, including one this year at LG. Freshman Rob Havenstein (#78) is a promising prospect who filled in at RT during the South Dakota game. Collectively, these players give the Badgers enviable depth along the entire line, something few if any teams have.
OL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin OL versus OSU OL
The Wisconsin line has been bulldozing opponents all season long. They lost last week but put up over 200 yards both rushing and passing against the #1 statistical defense in the country. Before that no one had even slowed them down, especially in the run game. Wilson definitely adds a dynamic element to the offense, but without superior blocking and a seamless transition to a different type of QB by the line, his talents would be nowhere near maximized. It would not be at all surprising to see 2-3 Badgers on the first or second team all-B1G this year. They also have high quality depth along the entire front, something that few if any teams can match. This program has produced superstars like Joe Thomas and Gabe Carimi in the recent past, and the development of offensive linemen doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Edge: Wisconsin
Overall Offensive Analysis
Everyone will remember last week's disappointing loss and will forget that they put up 31 points, 23 first downs, 220 rushing yards, and 223 passing yards on what was the top statistical defense in the country. They were outplayed in significant stretches in the game yet they still came back late from 2 scores down and it took a miracle Hail Mary to beat them on the last play. This offense is devastating because of the running game and because Wilson brings dimensions to the offense, such as QB mobility and midrange throwing accuracy, that Wisconsin QBs in the past with their statue feet and vertical play-action game have not often had. Credit goes to the coaches for making it work in terms of schematics, the line for being able to pass and run block effectively, and to Wilson for taking over an offense in a very short time and making it immediately fire on all cylinders. Wisconsin showed that they are mortal last week, but there is nothing really wrong with the offense, and the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them matching the production of the Michigan State defense, which didn't really stop them but did slow them down in stretches. Turnovers and negative plays will be even more critical in this game, because when they can pound the ball for 5 yards a pop and then fire it downfield into single coverage, any defense will be in for a long afternoon. The key is to get to Wilson early and throw off his timing, and also to stop the run early to force more passed that they don't want to throw. Easier said than done, but that will be the task awaiting the Buckeyes this weekend in what should be a raucous atmosphere like few have ever been at the 'Shoe. Are the Badgers up to the challenge? Time will tell, but if Wilson isn't, likely no one is.
Overall Offensive Rating: A
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Preview
Following the departure of Dave Doeren to be the Head Coach at Northern Illinois; Chris Ash has taken over as Coordinator of the Wisconsin defense. After taking over as DC for the Drake Bulldogs when Doeren left Drake to take the defensive reins for Wisconsin, Ash followed his (now twice) former boss and mentor to coach the defensive backs last year. He still coaches the secondary, but now is in charge of the whole defense as well. All he's done in his first year at the top is lead the Badgers to top ten rankings in Total and Scoring defense.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|.Pass..|INT| .Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|.3rd D.|..PCT..|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Wisconsin...|.13.6..|..286.7..|121.1.|.165.6.|.7.| ..3..|.18..|.107..|.34-98.|.34.7%.|..10-14..|71%.|..7-14.|50%.|28:50|
Ohio_State..|.16.3..|..304.9..|116.6.|.188.3.|.9.| ..4..|.14..|.108..|.32-98.|.32.7%.|..12-16..|75%.|.10-16.|63%.|29:01|
TOF= Opponents Time of Possession
Wisconsin was better on defense than they were supposed to be in 2010. Instead of taking a step backwards, the Badgers actually performed better than they did in 2009. The emergence of J.J. Watt and Jay Valai, combined with assignment-sound play from the rest of the defense resulted in a top 25 finish in Scoring Defense and a top 20 finish in Total Defense. This year they were expected to take the step back that they put off last year; but again, the defensive denizens of Mad-Town have actually improved, at least statistically.
While losing Watt and Valai has clearly had an effect on the Wisconsin defense, this is partially offset by the return of Big Ten Freshman of the year from 2009, Chris Borland to the Middle Linebacker position. Borland missed most of the season to the shoulder injury suffered in the game three 1-point-win over Arizona State. With a bolstered linebacking corps and new leadership in the trenches, Wisconsin is exceeding expectations yet again.
A clear sign of the Badgers' over-performance is their statistical superiority to Ohio State on defense. Some might argue that Wisconsin's schedule has something to do with that, and the numbers would support that claim. Wisconsin's opponents are 17-22 against FBS teams. Ohio State's are 23-21. The Badger's opponents have also combined for 3 losses to FCS (formerly I-AA) teams, while the Buckeyes' opponents are undefeated against lower division schools. Speaking of FCS teams, further comparison is difficult as one of the Badgers' opponents was from the division formerly known as I-AA. This can be remedied by factoring out South Dakota from Wisconsin's schedule while dropping Ohio State's weakest opponent (Akron). For the remaining 6 opponents for each team: Wisconsin's slate has an average national rank of 64.1 for scoring defense while the teams on OSU's schedule have an average national rank of 54.5. This is enough of a difference to state unequivocally that Ohio State has faced better offenses than has Wisconsin. The difference is even more stark when comparing the passing ability of each team's opponents. More on that subject will have to wait until we discuss the secondary. Let's start where we always start; with the boys up front.
Defensive Line
DE #93 Louis Nzegwu (6-4, 255, Sr.)
DT #95 Patrick Butrym (6-4, 285, Sr.)
DT #87 Ethan Hemer (6-6, 300, So.)
DE #97 Brendan Kelly (6-6, 255, Jr.)
After spending last year in the shadow of J.J. Watt, Louis Nzegwu has emerged as the leader of the Badger defensive line in 2011. With 21 tackles and 5 sacks, the Senior end is on a pace to eclipse Watt's numbers from last season. Opposite Nzegwu in Watt's old spot is Junior Brendan Kelly who took a rare mid-eligibility red-shirt last year. Plagued by injuries in the past, Kelly has blossomed this year with 22 tackles and 3 sacks, including 2 last week against the Spartans. On the inside, Patrick Butrym returns for his Senior campaign and is joined by Ethan Hemer who has supplanted fellow Sophomore Jordan Kohout in the starting line-up. Butrym has 13 tackles including 1 sack and a pass break up (PBU). Hemer has 13 tackles and has also batted down a pass.
#91 Jordan Kohout (6-3, 290, So.) started the Ohio State game last year and was on the Freshman All-Big-Ten team but provides depth in 2011. He has played in every game and has recorded 9 tackles. Fellow backup #96 Beau Allen (6-3, 310, So.) has 11 tackles and is second on the team in sacks with 3 on the year. #92 Pat Muldoon (6-3, 260, So.) and #51 Tyler Dippel (6-4, 260, So.) provide depth at end. Dippel has played more extensively and has 14 tackles while Muldoon has posted only 5 on the year. While the 2nd team is occupied entirely by Sophomores, all have experience and provide solid depth.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DL
Last year, both defensive lines were good but Ohio State's was better, at least most of the time. Unfortunately, they did not take their "A" game to Madison; while J.J. Watt proved to be a man on a mission that evening. Even with the loss of the powerful Mr. Watt; the Badgers DL has been more productive through the first half of 2011. Though the Buckeyes have held their opponents to fewer rushing yards, the Badgers have been more productive rushing the passer and have garnered more sacks. This sack yardage is enough to give Wisconsin a slight lead in yards per carry. With the absence of Nathan Williams from the Buckeyes' roster and the Badgers' resulting slight edge in production to go with more experienced depth, the advantage this year goes to the Badgers.
Edge: Wisconsin
Linebackers
SLB #9 Kevin Claxton (6-1, 240, Sr.)
MLB#44 Chris Borland (5-11, 245, So.)
WLB #53 Mike Taylor (6-2, 230, Jr.)
The Wisconsin linebacking corps has a new look this year as new Coordinator Ash has implemented a more traditional approach. Doeren positioned linebackers with respect to the wide (field) and short (boundary) sides of the gridiron. The Badgers outside linebackers now line up according to the offensive formation, with the Strong side linebacker on the tight end's side of the field.
As previously mentioned, this unit is bolstered this year by the return of 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Borland from a shoulder injury incurred early enough to take a red-shirt for the 2010 season. He leads the Badgers with 71 tackles including 14 for loss and 2 sacks. With 2 pass breakups and an interception for good measure, Borland will likel be the best linebacker on the field on Saturday night. Returning on one side is Junior Mike Taylor, who has 64 tackles and an interception of his own. Taylor was the Boundary Linebacker in last year's scheme, but plays the Weak side this year. The Strong side will be held down by one of last year's back-ups, Senior Kevin Claxton. Claxton has 22 tackles through the first 7 games of 2011.
Reserve LBs include #36 Ethan Armstrong (6-2, 240, So.) on the strong side with #30 Derek Landisch (5-11, 225, Fr.) in the middle and #13 Conor O'Neill (6-0, 220, So.) on the Weak side. All of the back-ups have played in every game. Armstrong has recorded 19 tackles while Landisch and O'Neill have each accounted for 14 stops.
LB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU LBs
While the Buckeye linebackers may have the edge in raw talent, the Wisconsin corps has had fewer break-downs, fewer missed assignments and fewer missed tackles. If the Buckeyes can put it all together, they have the potential to be the better unit on Saturday night. As things stand now however, the return of Borland shades the 2nd line of defense toward Wisconsin.
Edge: Wisconsin
Secondary
CB #14 Marcus Cromartie (6-1, 180, Jr.)
SS #24 Shelton Johnson (6-0, 190, Jr.)
FS #7 Aaron Henry (6-0, 210, Sr.)
CB #26 Antonio Fenelus (5-9, 190, Sr.)
Though the 2010 secondary had the athleticism and name recognition of Jay Valai, the ensemble cast of 2011 may actually be a better unit. Valai's replacement (Johnson) has an interception and a pass break-up, which is more than Valai could say last year at this time. The three other starters each have multiple break-ups, with Fenelus leading the way with 4 PBUs and 2 picks. All have at least 20 tackles; Free Safety Henry leads the group with 30. Though the team struggled last week when facing their first quarterback in the top 40 in the country in passing efficiency (Kirk Cousins), they have nevertheless posted respectable numbers this year.
Depth at safety comes from #12 Dezmen Southward (6-2, 200, So.) and #25 Adam Hampton (5-11, 185, Sr.) while #21 Peniel Jean (5-11, 190, Fr.) and #32 Devin Gaulden (5-10, 185, Fr.) provide depth, albeit raw, at corner. Southward is by far the best back-up, with 22 tackles, 2 PBUs and 2 forced fumbles. Jean has 12 tackles, while the other two are seldom used.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DBs
Statistics like this group has produced would normally elicit a better unit grade, but Michigan State at #37 in the nation is the best offense in passing efficiency that Wisconsin has faced; and they did not fare well against the Spartans. In spite of their poor-throwing opponents, the Badgers rank only 32nd in the nation in pass efficiency defense. The Buckeyes have faced 3 teams ranked higher than the Spartans in passing efficiency, and have snagged more interceptions and posted nearly as good a defensive PE number. It is unfortunate that the Buckeyes will also be facing a much better passing offense than will the Badger defense come Saturday night.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
While having posted very good to excellent numbers, defensively; the Badgers have faced only mediocre, one-dimensional offenses. While this is not likely to change on Saturday night, the Buckeyes will field perhaps the best offensive linemen (if not the best offensive line) and some of the best offensive athletes that the Badgers will have faced this season. Conversely, the Buckeyes will be facing not just a good collection of athletes, but clearly the best offense they will have faced all year. Two Saturdays ago in Champaign, the Silver Bullets took a much needed step forward, playing their best game of the year against was until then a respectable offense. Or did Illinois simply collapse? What we see on October 29th will go a long way toward answering that question. They Buckeye defense has a higher ceiling than their Badger counterparts, but they need to live up to their potential; and they need to do it now.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Special Teams Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers bring a solid set of Special Teams units into the Horseshoe on Saturday to confront the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes match up well and will need to win the battle of field position to pull the upset.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA)
Wisconsin
Punting
Brad Nortman: 19 for 776 yards, 43.1 avg, 7 inside the 20, 2 touchbacks, 10 fair caught (does not meet minimum punts per game to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 20 for 776 yards, 40.8 avg, 1 blocked
Kicking
Kyle French: 2-4 FGs, 29 long, 26-27 PATs
Philip Welch: 2-3 FGs, 38 long, 1 blocked, 18-19 PATs
Punt Returns
Jared Abbrederis: 10 for 223 yards, 22.3 avg, 1 TD, 60 long (1st Nationally)
Kenzel Doe: 1 for 13 yards, 13.0 avg
Bradie Ewing: 1 for 4 yards, 4.0 avg
Team: 12 for 240 yards, 20.0 avg, 1 TD, 60 long (2nd Nationally)
Kickoff Returns
James White: 11 for 237 yards, 21.5 avg, 40 long (76th Nationally)
Jared Abbrederis: 5 for 96 yards, 19.2 avg, 25 long (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jacob Pedersen: 1 for 0 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Kenzel Doe: 1 for 24 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Melvin Gordon: 1 for 23 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 380 yards, 20.0 avg (95th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
3 for 57 yards, 1 TD (118th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
45 for 885 yards, 19.67 avg, 7 touchbacks (30th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 42 for 1735 yards 41.31 avg (44th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil 8 of 10 FGs, 19-19 PATs
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Chris Fields 5 for 88 yards, 17.60 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Jordan Hall 5 for 59 yards, 11.8 avg, 27 long
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yards, 14.00 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith 1 for 3 yards, 3.00 avg, 3 long
Team: 13 for 178 yards, 13.7 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (15th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall 10 for 325 yards, 32.5 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson 1 for 10 yards
Team: 20 for 544 yards, 27.20 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
16 for 110 yards, 6.88 avg (54th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
27 for 446 yards, 16.52 avg, 6 touchbacks (3rd Nationally)
Special Teams
Wisconsin
Punter
#98 Brad Nortman (6-3, 210, Sr., Central HS, Brookfield, WI)
#94 Kyle French (6-1, 190, Fr., Menomomee Falls HS, Menomomee Falls, WI)
Placekicker
#18 Philip Welch (6-3, 205, Sr., Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO)
#94 Kyle French (6-1, 190, Fr., Menomomee Falls HS, Menomomee Falls, WI)
Kickoffs
#96 Alec Learner (5-7, 205, So., Burke HS, Omaha, NE)
#18 Philip Welch (6-3, 205, Sr., Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO)
Punt Returners
#4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, So., Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
#7 Aaron Henry (6-0, 210, Sr., Immokalee HS, Immokalee, FL)
#3 Melvin Gordon (6-1, 200, Fr., Mary D. Bradford HS, Kenosha, WI)
#24 Fred Willis, Jr. (6-2, 200, Fr., Brookfield Academy HS, Milwaukee, WI)
Kick Returners
#20 James White (5-10, 195, So., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
#4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, So., Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
#3 Melvin Gordon (6-1, 200, Fr., Mary D. Bradford HS, Kenosha, WI)
#24 Fred Willis, Jr. (6-2, 200, Fr., Brookfield Academy HS, Milwaukee, WI)
Long Snapper
#62 Kyle Wojta (6-2, 230, Sr., LaFollette HS, Madison, WI)
#56 James McGuire (6-1, 210, So., Cretin-Durham Hall HS, St. Paul, MN)
Holder
#98 Brad Nortman (6-3, 210, Sr., Central HS, Brookfield, WI)
#12 Nate Tice (6-5, 230, Sr., Edina HS, Edina, MN)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team. The Badgers punting has been solid so far this season, averaging over 43 yards per kick. However, their punt return defense has been bad, ranking 118th out of 120 teams in the NCAA. This statistic is skewed somewhat due to the fact that they have only allowed 3 returns (although 1 was for a touchdown). The Buckeyes counter with a good return team (over 13 yards per return avg). This battle may be close and if one of the teams clearly wins this, it will go a long way to determining the outcome of the game. A blocked punt by Sparty last week was a big part of their upset win.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team The Wisconsin Badger Kickoff team have gotten plenty of work this year, defending 45 kicks. They have had good success, holding their opponents to under 20 yards per return. They face a Buckeye kickoff return unit that is having a great year averaging over 27 yards per return. The Buckeyes must have a good game with the offense being one-dimensional. Putting them in good field position is a must if the Buckeyes are to pull the upset.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Wisconsin Punt Return Team. Wisconsin's Abbrederis leads the nation in punt returns with a sparkling 22 yard average per return. The Buckeyes must contain him if they are to win the battle for field position. The Buckeyes' punt return defense is ranked 54th, givup 6.88 yards per return .
Edge: Wisconsin
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Wisconsin Kickoff Return Team. Ohio State's kickoff return defense has been nothing short of spectacular this year, ranking 3rd in the nation with a 16 yard per return average. The Badgers have not fared as well in kickoff returns as they'd like ranking near the bottom in average. The Buckeyes need to contain Abbrederis and company to keep the Badgers on a long field.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
This game will be a close one, with the way Ohio State plays defense (and offense, unfortunately). A long return or other big play on special teams could very well tip the scales in the favor of one team or the other. Ohio State has the athletes and recent success to foster some confidence. They must play a big part in this game if they are going to win.
PredictionsWisconsin has more or less decimated every defense they've faced this season, averaging over 500 yards a game (511.7, 8th nationally). They have established a very nice balance, averaging 252.1 rushing yards per game (T8) while also putting up a very respectable 270.3 passing yards per game (37th). Their average of 47.4 points per game is 5th nationally and easily leads the B1G. Wilson has by and large taken good care of the ball, having tossed just 3 INTs and taken 8 sacks. The Badgers have garnered 170 first downs (T23) and perhaps most impressively have kept drives alive on 3rd down 52.4% of the time, which is good for second nationally. The bottom line is until last week no one had come close to shutting down the Badgers, and even though the Michigan State defense played an impressive game, they still gave up over 200 yards rushing, over 200 yards passing, 23 first downs and 31 points. This is a juggernaut of an offense that will take the very best effort of the Buckeyes to slow down.
Quarterbacks
QB #16 Russell Wilson (5-11, 210, SR, Collegiate HS, Richmond, VA)
Yeah, this guy is pretty good. He threw for over 3000 yards and at least 28 TDs in his final 2 seasons at North Carolina State, and he seemingly found the perfect situation in Madison. He has completed over 70% of his passes in ever game thus far in 2011 except for last week, when it was still 66.7%. He has thrown for at least 2 TDs in every game but one (Indiana) and topped 300 yards passing twice, at Northern Illinois (347, 3 TDs) and against South Dakota (345, 3 TDs). He is a threat to throw the ball virtually anywhere at any time, throws a good downfield ball, and he is also a threat to run, having gained over 200 yards and having scored 3 times on the ground already in 2011. His QB rating of 204.9 is second in the country, surpassed only by Robert Griffin III, and only by 0.8. He has shown growth as a senior as well by limiting his interceptions to 3 over the first 7 games, which is considerably better than his last 2 seasons of double digit INTs, and by limiting his sack total to just 8 thus far after topping 30 his last 2 seasons with the Wolfpack. He doesn't throw a ton of passes in a game, as most Wisconsin teams don't (he's only topped 21 attempts twice), but he has done a fantastic job of maximizing those throws for big gains and using his feet to buy time and create space for better and more accurate throws. He appears to be the total package at QB and even with an "off" game last week, he still played very well, accounting for 253 total yards and 3 scores. He will be a handful for the Buckeyes all day.
The primary backup is freshman Joe Brennan (#11). He is a big kid (6-3, 205) with upside who has gotten off to a bit of a rough start, completing just 3 of 11 passes for 12 yards and a pick in mop-up duty, so it appears he is not ready to lead this offense in a meaningful game situation just yet.
QB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin QB versus OSU QB
Wilson: 109/149 (73.2%), 1780 yards, 16 TDs, 3 INTs, 204.9 rating; 32/212, 3 TDs
Miller: 26/51 (51.0%), 403 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs, 141.9 rating; 61/243, 0 TDs
There are a number of reasons that this is not a fair comparison, but it is not a big stretch to say that short of playing in a typhoon, the Buckeyes will not beat the Badgers by completing just one pass like they did last game. Miller is going to have to play better and play a bigger role and the coaching staff will have to let him try and do more. Both teams like to run an aggressive ball-control offense, but the QBs will have to play a significant role for the victor. Keeping both healthy is also a key issue, as neither team appears to have a backup that is especially effective. Miller may yet become the great QB that people envision, but for now, Wilson has been as good as they come.
Edge: Wisconsin
Running Backs
HB #28 Montee Ball (5-11, 210, JR, Timberland HS, Wentzville, MO)
FB #34 Bradie Ewing (6-0, 245, SR, Richland Center HS, Richland Center, WI)
Despite all the hype, and controversy in some circles, surrounding the acquisition of Wilson, the Badgers are still grinding it out on the ground like they always do, running the ball (304 times) almost twice as much as they throw it (162). Leading the way is Ball, who has accounted for a staggering 19 total TDs in 7 games, good for the top spot in the nation regardless of position. He's got power, he's got speed, he's got vision, and averaging over 6 yards a carry over 7 games is very impressive when the other team knows he's going to get the ball a lot. He just missed the 1000 yard plateau last year (996, 18 TDs), and he should shatter those numbers with 5 games yet to go and 768 yards on the ground already. He has eclipsed the 100 yard mark 4 timers thus far, including 151 against Nebraska and 115 against Michigan State, and until last week he had scored at least 2 rushing TDs in every game...though he still had 2 total TDs, one rushing and one receiving. The Badgers don't throw to their backs a lot, but he is averaging over 20 yards a catch and has 2 receiving TDs, which is good production.
Also getting a good share of carries (80) to keep Ball fresh is sophomore James White (#20). White burst onto the scene last year as a freshman, rushing for 1052 yards and 14 TDs while averaging almost 7 yards a carry. This season with 458 yards and 4 TDs his production is down a bit as Ball has exploded all season, but he is still a quick and powerful back (5-10, 195) that will only get better with more reps. He hasn't topped the 100 yard mark yet this season, but he averaged over 10 yards a carry against Northern Illinois and South Dakota and put up 87 yards and a TD against Indiana. He will likely get between 9 and 15 carries most games, depending on the flow of the game, and he brings a bit of a different dimension to the offense, though he is still strong and powerful. With 9 receptions already, he is also a threat in the passing game when Wilson wants to utilize him.
Behind Ball and White is promising freshman Jeff Lewis (#22). He is another powerful back (6-2, 210) who has seen most of his action against lesser opponents, but he appears capable and can spell the other backs when necessary. Ewing is a weapon at fullback in the running game as a blocker and also as a receiver, having caught 8 passes for 132 yards on the season. He has played in 45 games and is one of the smartest and most experienced players the Badgers have.
RB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin RB versus OSU RB
Ball: 125/768 yards, 17 TDs, 6.1 YPC; 9 rec/190 yards, 2 TDs, 21.1 YPR
White: 80/458 yards, 4 TDs, 5.7 YPC; 9 rec/120 yards, 0 TDs, 13.3 YPR
Lewis: 26/160 yards, 1 TD, 6.2 YPC; 1 rec/8 yards, 0 TDs, 8.0 YPR
Herron: 23/114 yards, 1 TD, 5.0 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 78/408 yards, 5 TDs, 5.2 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 79/321 yards, 1 TD, 4.1 YPC; 1 rec/4 yards, 0 TDs, 4.0 YPR
The emergence of Herron from the ashes of suspension have revitalized the Buckeye ground attack, as he firmly controlled the Illinois game with 114 yards on the ground and a TD. Hall is a speedier change-of-pace back who will seemingly get more future opportunities than the more powerful Hyde, who runs in more of the Herron mold. Either way, the Buckeyes are 4 or 5 deep at the position, and may even look to get some athletes on the field in other ways. Despite the uptick in production, it is hard to argue against a unit that has a player that leads the nation in scoring and a backup who gained over 1000 yards and scored 14 TDs the year before. If their one-two punch at TB isn't the best in the country, it is most definitely in the conversation.
Edge: Wisconsin
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Nick Toon (6-3, 220, SR, Middleton HS, Middleton, WI)
WR #4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, SO, Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
Nick Toon is the top wideout at Wisconsin. The son of Al Toon, who also tormented the Buckeyes back in the 80s, Toon has battled injuries throughout his career but has still been productive, making honorable mention all-B1G in 2009 after catching 54 passes for 805 yards and 4 TDs as a sophomore. Last year he was limited to 36 receptions for 459 yards and 3 scores, but he is off to a very good start this year with Wilson at the helm. His best game statistically was against South Dakota, where he registered 7 receptions for 155 yards and 2 TDs, but he also had 4 for 94 and a score against Nebraska and 7 for 69 and a score against Oregon State. Last year against the Buckeyes he had 6 catches for 72 yards. He has good size and runs good routes, and he is a good target in the red zone, having caught TD passes in 4 games this year. On the other side is Abbrederis, an underclassman who is building on his 20 catch, 289 yard, 3 TD season a year ago. He is a bit sleeker than Toon but still has good height. He has good hands and also runs good routes. He had 5 receptions for 101 yards and a score against South Dakota, 5 for 95 and a score against Nebraska, and 6 for 91 last week, so his production has increased as the season has progressed.
The Badgers aren't especially deep, at least in terms of current production. Sophomore Jeff Duckworth (#15) started one game in place of Toon and is third on the team at the position in receptions; that total is only 5 for 48 yards, however. Sophomore Manasseh Gardner (#19) is the other backup, but he has just one catch all season.
WR Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin WRs versus OSU WRs
Toon: 27 catches, 505 yards, 6 TDs, 18.7 YPR
Abbrederis: 30 catches, 482 yards, 2 TDs, 16.1 YPR
Duckworth: 5 catches, 48 yards, 0 TDs, 9.6 YPR
Smith: 9 catches, 187 yards, 3 TDs, 20.8 YPR
Brown: 5 catches, 78 yards, 0 TDs, 15.6 YPR
Fields: 6 catches, 75 yards, 0 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Everyone associates TEs and lineman as NFL caliber players at Wisconsin over the years, but they have also produced their share of quality pro receivers such as Al Toon, Chris Chambers and Lee Evans. The Badgers are never deep at the position, but they usually have a quality player or two, and this season is no different. Toon may not have had quite the career some expected because of the injuries, but he is a solid college player who has taken advantage of the expansion of the passing game. Likewise Abberderis looks like the mainstay of the future and is putting together a very nice season as well. The Buckeyes have really been hurt without Posey and have had to work some young players in. They have showed their inexperience at different stages and they have not played a major role in advancing the passing game. The Buckeyes need some work here and in the passing game in general.
Edge: Wisconsin
Tight Ends
TE #82 Jake Byrne (6-4, 260, SR, Rogers HS, Rogers, AR)
TE #48 Jacob Pedersen (6-4, 240, SO, Menominee HS, Menominee, MI)
The Badgers have arguably the best TE tradition over the past decade or so, with the likes of Owen Daniels, Travis Beckum, Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks playing on NFL rosters. They utilize the position as much or more than virtually any offense in the country, and this year they have a blocking expert and a receiving expert. Byrne is like having an extra offensive lineman on the field, and with 15 starts and 44 career games played, he is another leader on the field for virtually every play. He has been especially effective at run blocking this season, and despite having only 1 reception, he is one of the more valuable TEs in the conference. In the receiving TE mold (Beckum, Kendricks, etc.), Pedersen has been a regular contributor in the offense, starting 2 games, catching at least one pass in every game, and scoring 6 TDs thus far. He has good size and deceptive speed, and he is difficult for both safeties and linebackers to cover. He had 6 catches for 80 yards and 2 TDs against Oregon State, so he is capable of playing a primary role in the offense when called upon. The backups are a pair of underclassmen, sophomore Brian Wozniak (#85) and freshman Sam Arenson (#49). Neither has caught a pass thus far, but Wozniak in particular (6-4, 260) can contribute in short yardage situations.
TE Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin TE versus OSU TE
Pedersen: 19 catches, 262 yards, 6 TDs, 13.8 YPR
Byrne: 1 catch, 14 yards, 0 TDs, 14.0 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
This matchup is closer than it has been in years, as the Buckeyes boast a legitimate weapon in Stoneburner and a capable blocking backup in Fragel. The Badgers don't feature the superstar caliber player that they have in the past, though Pedersen is certainly a capable receiver. Both teams have strong points, with Stoneburner being perhaps the most complete player and Byrne being the best blocker. As Stoneburner features much more prominently than Buckeye TEs of the past, this one is pretty close to even.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #58 Ricky Wagner (6-6, 320, JR, Nathan Hale HS, West Allis, WI)
LG #72 Travis Frederick (6-4, 330, SO, Big Foot HS, Sharon, WI)
C #66 Peter Konz (6-5, 315, JR, Neenah HS, Neenah, WI)
RG #70 Kevin Zeitler (6-4, 315, SR, Wisconsin Lutheran HS, Waukesha, WI)
RT #67 Josh Oglesby (6-7, 330, SR, St. Francis HS, Milwaukee, WI)
The Wisconsin line has long had a reputation of being huge and physical, and this season is no exception. Plenty of players have a wealth of starting experience, and with 5 OL already on NFL rosters, the Badgers have some Sunday-quality talent this season as well. Zeitler has the most career starts with 29, all of them at RG. He was honorable mention all-B1G last season and is likely on the short list for higher accolades this season. He has good size but also good agility, and though he plays exclusively at RG he can do a lot of things along the interior throughout the course of the game. Also on the right side, Oglesby has 21 career starts, and would have more had he not been hampered by injuries last season. He is the prototypical mammoth tackle that Wisconsin always seems to have, with a giant wingspan and a large frame capable of bulldozing downfield in the run game. In the middle, Konz has started 27 of his 28 games and has been a fixture in center since 2009. He like Zeitler was honorable mention all-B1G last year and will likely get a lot of votes for higher honors with the way the offense has played this season. He is an intelligent player with good footwork and good power. On the left side, Wagner has 17 starts and has played both tackle positions. He was also honorable mention all-B1G last year and has played well at the LT spot since taking over there at the start of the season. Frederick is a giant but versatile player along the interior and he has already started games at center and LG in his young career (10 total). He missed one game earlier this year but appears to be healthy and is a steady contributor, especially in the run game.
The reserves feature one junior and several young players eager for their opportunity. The line has missed a grand total of 2 combined starts, so there hasn't been much turnover, but the younger players are still contributing and picking up valuable experience. Junior Robert Burge (#64) has played in 25 career games and is a program veteran who gets regular action, having played in all 13 games last year and all 6 this year thus far. A trio of sophomores mans the left side to the middle, with tackle Casey Dehn (#63) having played in 17 games (1 start), guard Zac Matthias (#75) having played in 14 games, and converted fullback Ryan Groy (#79) having played in 20 games with 3 career starts, including one this year at LG. Freshman Rob Havenstein (#78) is a promising prospect who filled in at RT during the South Dakota game. Collectively, these players give the Badgers enviable depth along the entire line, something few if any teams have.
OL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin OL versus OSU OL
The Wisconsin line has been bulldozing opponents all season long. They lost last week but put up over 200 yards both rushing and passing against the #1 statistical defense in the country. Before that no one had even slowed them down, especially in the run game. Wilson definitely adds a dynamic element to the offense, but without superior blocking and a seamless transition to a different type of QB by the line, his talents would be nowhere near maximized. It would not be at all surprising to see 2-3 Badgers on the first or second team all-B1G this year. They also have high quality depth along the entire front, something that few if any teams can match. This program has produced superstars like Joe Thomas and Gabe Carimi in the recent past, and the development of offensive linemen doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.
Edge: Wisconsin
Overall Offensive Analysis
Everyone will remember last week's disappointing loss and will forget that they put up 31 points, 23 first downs, 220 rushing yards, and 223 passing yards on what was the top statistical defense in the country. They were outplayed in significant stretches in the game yet they still came back late from 2 scores down and it took a miracle Hail Mary to beat them on the last play. This offense is devastating because of the running game and because Wilson brings dimensions to the offense, such as QB mobility and midrange throwing accuracy, that Wisconsin QBs in the past with their statue feet and vertical play-action game have not often had. Credit goes to the coaches for making it work in terms of schematics, the line for being able to pass and run block effectively, and to Wilson for taking over an offense in a very short time and making it immediately fire on all cylinders. Wisconsin showed that they are mortal last week, but there is nothing really wrong with the offense, and the Buckeyes will have their work cut out for them matching the production of the Michigan State defense, which didn't really stop them but did slow them down in stretches. Turnovers and negative plays will be even more critical in this game, because when they can pound the ball for 5 yards a pop and then fire it downfield into single coverage, any defense will be in for a long afternoon. The key is to get to Wilson early and throw off his timing, and also to stop the run early to force more passed that they don't want to throw. Easier said than done, but that will be the task awaiting the Buckeyes this weekend in what should be a raucous atmosphere like few have ever been at the 'Shoe. Are the Badgers up to the challenge? Time will tell, but if Wilson isn't, likely no one is.
Overall Offensive Rating: A
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Defensive Preview
Following the departure of Dave Doeren to be the Head Coach at Northern Illinois; Chris Ash has taken over as Coordinator of the Wisconsin defense. After taking over as DC for the Drake Bulldogs when Doeren left Drake to take the defensive reins for Wisconsin, Ash followed his (now twice) former boss and mentor to coach the defensive backs last year. He still coaches the secondary, but now is in charge of the whole defense as well. All he's done in his first year at the top is lead the Badgers to top ten rankings in Total and Scoring defense.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|.Pass..|INT| .Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|.3rd D.|..PCT..|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Wisconsin...|.13.6..|..286.7..|121.1.|.165.6.|.7.| ..3..|.18..|.107..|.34-98.|.34.7%.|..10-14..|71%.|..7-14.|50%.|28:50|
Ohio_State..|.16.3..|..304.9..|116.6.|.188.3.|.9.| ..4..|.14..|.108..|.32-98.|.32.7%.|..12-16..|75%.|.10-16.|63%.|29:01|
TOF= Opponents Time of Possession
Wisconsin was better on defense than they were supposed to be in 2010. Instead of taking a step backwards, the Badgers actually performed better than they did in 2009. The emergence of J.J. Watt and Jay Valai, combined with assignment-sound play from the rest of the defense resulted in a top 25 finish in Scoring Defense and a top 20 finish in Total Defense. This year they were expected to take the step back that they put off last year; but again, the defensive denizens of Mad-Town have actually improved, at least statistically.
While losing Watt and Valai has clearly had an effect on the Wisconsin defense, this is partially offset by the return of Big Ten Freshman of the year from 2009, Chris Borland to the Middle Linebacker position. Borland missed most of the season to the shoulder injury suffered in the game three 1-point-win over Arizona State. With a bolstered linebacking corps and new leadership in the trenches, Wisconsin is exceeding expectations yet again.
A clear sign of the Badgers' over-performance is their statistical superiority to Ohio State on defense. Some might argue that Wisconsin's schedule has something to do with that, and the numbers would support that claim. Wisconsin's opponents are 17-22 against FBS teams. Ohio State's are 23-21. The Badger's opponents have also combined for 3 losses to FCS (formerly I-AA) teams, while the Buckeyes' opponents are undefeated against lower division schools. Speaking of FCS teams, further comparison is difficult as one of the Badgers' opponents was from the division formerly known as I-AA. This can be remedied by factoring out South Dakota from Wisconsin's schedule while dropping Ohio State's weakest opponent (Akron). For the remaining 6 opponents for each team: Wisconsin's slate has an average national rank of 64.1 for scoring defense while the teams on OSU's schedule have an average national rank of 54.5. This is enough of a difference to state unequivocally that Ohio State has faced better offenses than has Wisconsin. The difference is even more stark when comparing the passing ability of each team's opponents. More on that subject will have to wait until we discuss the secondary. Let's start where we always start; with the boys up front.
Defensive Line
DE #93 Louis Nzegwu (6-4, 255, Sr.)
DT #95 Patrick Butrym (6-4, 285, Sr.)
DT #87 Ethan Hemer (6-6, 300, So.)
DE #97 Brendan Kelly (6-6, 255, Jr.)
After spending last year in the shadow of J.J. Watt, Louis Nzegwu has emerged as the leader of the Badger defensive line in 2011. With 21 tackles and 5 sacks, the Senior end is on a pace to eclipse Watt's numbers from last season. Opposite Nzegwu in Watt's old spot is Junior Brendan Kelly who took a rare mid-eligibility red-shirt last year. Plagued by injuries in the past, Kelly has blossomed this year with 22 tackles and 3 sacks, including 2 last week against the Spartans. On the inside, Patrick Butrym returns for his Senior campaign and is joined by Ethan Hemer who has supplanted fellow Sophomore Jordan Kohout in the starting line-up. Butrym has 13 tackles including 1 sack and a pass break up (PBU). Hemer has 13 tackles and has also batted down a pass.
#91 Jordan Kohout (6-3, 290, So.) started the Ohio State game last year and was on the Freshman All-Big-Ten team but provides depth in 2011. He has played in every game and has recorded 9 tackles. Fellow backup #96 Beau Allen (6-3, 310, So.) has 11 tackles and is second on the team in sacks with 3 on the year. #92 Pat Muldoon (6-3, 260, So.) and #51 Tyler Dippel (6-4, 260, So.) provide depth at end. Dippel has played more extensively and has 14 tackles while Muldoon has posted only 5 on the year. While the 2nd team is occupied entirely by Sophomores, all have experience and provide solid depth.
DL Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DL
Last year, both defensive lines were good but Ohio State's was better, at least most of the time. Unfortunately, they did not take their "A" game to Madison; while J.J. Watt proved to be a man on a mission that evening. Even with the loss of the powerful Mr. Watt; the Badgers DL has been more productive through the first half of 2011. Though the Buckeyes have held their opponents to fewer rushing yards, the Badgers have been more productive rushing the passer and have garnered more sacks. This sack yardage is enough to give Wisconsin a slight lead in yards per carry. With the absence of Nathan Williams from the Buckeyes' roster and the Badgers' resulting slight edge in production to go with more experienced depth, the advantage this year goes to the Badgers.
Edge: Wisconsin
Linebackers
SLB #9 Kevin Claxton (6-1, 240, Sr.)
MLB#44 Chris Borland (5-11, 245, So.)
WLB #53 Mike Taylor (6-2, 230, Jr.)
The Wisconsin linebacking corps has a new look this year as new Coordinator Ash has implemented a more traditional approach. Doeren positioned linebackers with respect to the wide (field) and short (boundary) sides of the gridiron. The Badgers outside linebackers now line up according to the offensive formation, with the Strong side linebacker on the tight end's side of the field.
As previously mentioned, this unit is bolstered this year by the return of 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Chris Borland from a shoulder injury incurred early enough to take a red-shirt for the 2010 season. He leads the Badgers with 71 tackles including 14 for loss and 2 sacks. With 2 pass breakups and an interception for good measure, Borland will likel be the best linebacker on the field on Saturday night. Returning on one side is Junior Mike Taylor, who has 64 tackles and an interception of his own. Taylor was the Boundary Linebacker in last year's scheme, but plays the Weak side this year. The Strong side will be held down by one of last year's back-ups, Senior Kevin Claxton. Claxton has 22 tackles through the first 7 games of 2011.
Reserve LBs include #36 Ethan Armstrong (6-2, 240, So.) on the strong side with #30 Derek Landisch (5-11, 225, Fr.) in the middle and #13 Conor O'Neill (6-0, 220, So.) on the Weak side. All of the back-ups have played in every game. Armstrong has recorded 19 tackles while Landisch and O'Neill have each accounted for 14 stops.
LB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU LBs
While the Buckeye linebackers may have the edge in raw talent, the Wisconsin corps has had fewer break-downs, fewer missed assignments and fewer missed tackles. If the Buckeyes can put it all together, they have the potential to be the better unit on Saturday night. As things stand now however, the return of Borland shades the 2nd line of defense toward Wisconsin.
Edge: Wisconsin
Secondary
CB #14 Marcus Cromartie (6-1, 180, Jr.)
SS #24 Shelton Johnson (6-0, 190, Jr.)
FS #7 Aaron Henry (6-0, 210, Sr.)
CB #26 Antonio Fenelus (5-9, 190, Sr.)
Though the 2010 secondary had the athleticism and name recognition of Jay Valai, the ensemble cast of 2011 may actually be a better unit. Valai's replacement (Johnson) has an interception and a pass break-up, which is more than Valai could say last year at this time. The three other starters each have multiple break-ups, with Fenelus leading the way with 4 PBUs and 2 picks. All have at least 20 tackles; Free Safety Henry leads the group with 30. Though the team struggled last week when facing their first quarterback in the top 40 in the country in passing efficiency (Kirk Cousins), they have nevertheless posted respectable numbers this year.
Depth at safety comes from #12 Dezmen Southward (6-2, 200, So.) and #25 Adam Hampton (5-11, 185, Sr.) while #21 Peniel Jean (5-11, 190, Fr.) and #32 Devin Gaulden (5-10, 185, Fr.) provide depth, albeit raw, at corner. Southward is by far the best back-up, with 22 tackles, 2 PBUs and 2 forced fumbles. Jean has 12 tackles, while the other two are seldom used.
DB Rating: B-
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin versus OSU DBs
Statistics like this group has produced would normally elicit a better unit grade, but Michigan State at #37 in the nation is the best offense in passing efficiency that Wisconsin has faced; and they did not fare well against the Spartans. In spite of their poor-throwing opponents, the Badgers rank only 32nd in the nation in pass efficiency defense. The Buckeyes have faced 3 teams ranked higher than the Spartans in passing efficiency, and have snagged more interceptions and posted nearly as good a defensive PE number. It is unfortunate that the Buckeyes will also be facing a much better passing offense than will the Badger defense come Saturday night.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
While having posted very good to excellent numbers, defensively; the Badgers have faced only mediocre, one-dimensional offenses. While this is not likely to change on Saturday night, the Buckeyes will field perhaps the best offensive linemen (if not the best offensive line) and some of the best offensive athletes that the Badgers will have faced this season. Conversely, the Buckeyes will be facing not just a good collection of athletes, but clearly the best offense they will have faced all year. Two Saturdays ago in Champaign, the Silver Bullets took a much needed step forward, playing their best game of the year against was until then a respectable offense. Or did Illinois simply collapse? What we see on October 29th will go a long way toward answering that question. They Buckeye defense has a higher ceiling than their Badger counterparts, but they need to live up to their potential; and they need to do it now.
Overall Defensive Rating: B
2011 Wisconsin Badgers Special Teams Preview
The Wisconsin Badgers bring a solid set of Special Teams units into the Horseshoe on Saturday to confront the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes match up well and will need to win the battle of field position to pull the upset.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA)
Wisconsin
Punting
Brad Nortman: 19 for 776 yards, 43.1 avg, 7 inside the 20, 2 touchbacks, 10 fair caught (does not meet minimum punts per game to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 20 for 776 yards, 40.8 avg, 1 blocked
Kicking
Kyle French: 2-4 FGs, 29 long, 26-27 PATs
Philip Welch: 2-3 FGs, 38 long, 1 blocked, 18-19 PATs
Punt Returns
Jared Abbrederis: 10 for 223 yards, 22.3 avg, 1 TD, 60 long (1st Nationally)
Kenzel Doe: 1 for 13 yards, 13.0 avg
Bradie Ewing: 1 for 4 yards, 4.0 avg
Team: 12 for 240 yards, 20.0 avg, 1 TD, 60 long (2nd Nationally)
Kickoff Returns
James White: 11 for 237 yards, 21.5 avg, 40 long (76th Nationally)
Jared Abbrederis: 5 for 96 yards, 19.2 avg, 25 long (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jacob Pedersen: 1 for 0 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Kenzel Doe: 1 for 24 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Melvin Gordon: 1 for 23 yards (not enough returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 380 yards, 20.0 avg (95th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
3 for 57 yards, 1 TD (118th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
45 for 885 yards, 19.67 avg, 7 touchbacks (30th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan 42 for 1735 yards 41.31 avg (44th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil 8 of 10 FGs, 19-19 PATs
Punt Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Chris Fields 5 for 88 yards, 17.60 avg, 1 TD, 69 long
Jordan Hall 5 for 59 yards, 11.8 avg, 27 long
Corey Brown 2 for 28 yards, 14.00 avg, 17 long
Devin Smith 1 for 3 yards, 3.00 avg, 3 long
Team: 13 for 178 yards, 13.7 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (15th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns: (none meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Jordan Hall 10 for 325 yards, 32.5 avg, 90 long
Jaamal Berry 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson 1 for 10 yards
Team: 20 for 544 yards, 27.20 avg, 90 long (6th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
16 for 110 yards, 6.88 avg (54th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
27 for 446 yards, 16.52 avg, 6 touchbacks (3rd Nationally)
Special Teams
Wisconsin
Punter
#98 Brad Nortman (6-3, 210, Sr., Central HS, Brookfield, WI)
#94 Kyle French (6-1, 190, Fr., Menomomee Falls HS, Menomomee Falls, WI)
Placekicker
#18 Philip Welch (6-3, 205, Sr., Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO)
#94 Kyle French (6-1, 190, Fr., Menomomee Falls HS, Menomomee Falls, WI)
Kickoffs
#96 Alec Learner (5-7, 205, So., Burke HS, Omaha, NE)
#18 Philip Welch (6-3, 205, Sr., Fort Collins HS, Fort Collins, CO)
Punt Returners
#4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, So., Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
#7 Aaron Henry (6-0, 210, Sr., Immokalee HS, Immokalee, FL)
#3 Melvin Gordon (6-1, 200, Fr., Mary D. Bradford HS, Kenosha, WI)
#24 Fred Willis, Jr. (6-2, 200, Fr., Brookfield Academy HS, Milwaukee, WI)
Kick Returners
#20 James White (5-10, 195, So., St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
#4 Jared Abbrederis (6-2, 180, So., Wautoma HS, Wautoma, WI)
#3 Melvin Gordon (6-1, 200, Fr., Mary D. Bradford HS, Kenosha, WI)
#24 Fred Willis, Jr. (6-2, 200, Fr., Brookfield Academy HS, Milwaukee, WI)
Long Snapper
#62 Kyle Wojta (6-2, 230, Sr., LaFollette HS, Madison, WI)
#56 James McGuire (6-1, 210, So., Cretin-Durham Hall HS, St. Paul, MN)
Holder
#98 Brad Nortman (6-3, 210, Sr., Central HS, Brookfield, WI)
#12 Nate Tice (6-5, 230, Sr., Edina HS, Edina, MN)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team. The Badgers punting has been solid so far this season, averaging over 43 yards per kick. However, their punt return defense has been bad, ranking 118th out of 120 teams in the NCAA. This statistic is skewed somewhat due to the fact that they have only allowed 3 returns (although 1 was for a touchdown). The Buckeyes counter with a good return team (over 13 yards per return avg). This battle may be close and if one of the teams clearly wins this, it will go a long way to determining the outcome of the game. A blocked punt by Sparty last week was a big part of their upset win.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Wisconsin Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team The Wisconsin Badger Kickoff team have gotten plenty of work this year, defending 45 kicks. They have had good success, holding their opponents to under 20 yards per return. They face a Buckeye kickoff return unit that is having a great year averaging over 27 yards per return. The Buckeyes must have a good game with the offense being one-dimensional. Putting them in good field position is a must if the Buckeyes are to pull the upset.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Wisconsin Punt Return Team. Wisconsin's Abbrederis leads the nation in punt returns with a sparkling 22 yard average per return. The Buckeyes must contain him if they are to win the battle for field position. The Buckeyes' punt return defense is ranked 54th, givup 6.88 yards per return .
Edge: Wisconsin
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Wisconsin Kickoff Return Team. Ohio State's kickoff return defense has been nothing short of spectacular this year, ranking 3rd in the nation with a 16 yard per return average. The Badgers have not fared as well in kickoff returns as they'd like ranking near the bottom in average. The Buckeyes need to contain Abbrederis and company to keep the Badgers on a long field.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
This game will be a close one, with the way Ohio State plays defense (and offense, unfortunately). A long return or other big play on special teams could very well tip the scales in the favor of one team or the other. Ohio State has the athletes and recent success to foster some confidence. They must play a big part in this game if they are going to win.
BB73's prediction: 20-31, Wisconsin
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx,
Bucklion's prediction: 20-27, Wisconsin
Fungo Squiggly's prediction: 13-27, Wisconsin
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-25, Wisconsin
jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 17-14 Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the
losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 17, Illinois 7)
(145) BB73's prediction: 23-20, Ohio State (19 + 126 last week = 145)
(152) jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (21 + 131 last week = 152)
(172) Bucklion's prediction: 16-27 Illinois (31 + 141 last week = 172)
(175) Fungo Squiggly's prediction: 16-24, Illinois (28 + 147 last week = 175)
(178) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (38 + 140 last week = 178)
(183) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 9-27, Illinois (38 + 145 last week = 183)
(189) JCOSU86's prediction: 28-21, Ohio State (25 + 164 last week= 189)
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx,
Bucklion's prediction: 20-27, Wisconsin
Fungo Squiggly's prediction: 13-27, Wisconsin
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 13-25, Wisconsin
jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 17-14 Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the
losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 17, Illinois 7)
(145) BB73's prediction: 23-20, Ohio State (19 + 126 last week = 145)
(152) jwinslow's prediction: 24-21, Ohio State (21 + 131 last week = 152)
(172) Bucklion's prediction: 16-27 Illinois (31 + 141 last week = 172)
(175) Fungo Squiggly's prediction: 16-24, Illinois (28 + 147 last week = 175)
(178) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (38 + 140 last week = 178)
(183) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 9-27, Illinois (38 + 145 last week = 183)
(189) JCOSU86's prediction: 28-21, Ohio State (25 + 164 last week= 189)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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